As calendar pages turn from October to November, there comes a sense of a new season upon us. Pumpkins turn into stockings, costume contests become ugly sweater parties and the 13 Days of Halloween transform into the 25 Days of Christmas.
Christmas trees are on display in stores, Hobby Lobby currently has an early bird special on all Christmas decorations, and I occasionally hear Christmas music played in the student center.
All of this is totally fine — I love Christmas. It is the most wonderful time of the year, after all. However, we must not get ahead of ourselves. Thanksgiving is still a holiday, and it’s not one that should be ignored.
USA Today reported in 2011, more than 37% – and 42% of women – plan to do some holiday shopping by Halloween. The fact that people look over a holiday that revolves around thankfulness in anticipation of a time of mass consumerism is ironic and upsetting.
As consumers, you would think we would want more breathing room between holidays. Seasonal shopping dominates our lifestyles. Between the months of July and December, we experience five major holidays. It’s no wonder we are exhausted by the end of the calendar year.
The month of November is special to me because of this idea of thankfulness that is highlighted by Turkey Day. A trend on Facebook arose a few years ago where users would post something they were thankful for every day of the month.
This practice is all around neat, even if you see it as a nuisance that clutters your Facebook feed.
Thankfulness is an emotion that should control all of our actions. If we looked at our friends, family, our roommates, education, jobs, food availability and even our Wi-Fi access with a sense of thanksgiving, I believe that our overall moods would be uplifted.
This November, remember the little things to be thankful for. Don’t overlook this important holiday because of the excitement that comes with Christmas.
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